Your turkey is bobbing in brine, you've devised a hard-and-fast schedule for your oven and stovetop, and you've struck the last ingredient off the grocery list—every minutia of your cooking game plan is nailed down, but what about the wine? With so much emphasis weighing on what to eat on Thanksgiving, it's no surprise that pairings can get second billing.
Fortunately, we've sought help from our friend Tyler Colman, wine expert and author of A Year of Wine: Perfect Pairings, Great Buys, and What to Sip for Each Season and his Dr. Vino blog. As we learned from his Beard on Books appearance, Colman believes that occasion, setting, and company ought to be taken into greater account when choosing a wine. So what does this mean for Thanksgiving? "Pairing wines with Thanksgiving is hard because of

Tyler Colman doesn’t want you to stress out about wine pairings. Of course the food matters, but for Colman it is equally important to take into account your mood, the location, and the atmosphere of a situation.
At Beard on Books yesterday, Dr. Vino had his audience discuss what kind of wines they prefer in various settings. Robust reds are perfect for an evening by the fire in December, while an afternoon in your beach cabana might call for a crisp and clean rosé. Let your instincts and cravings in each instance help guide you to the perfect pairing.
In his latest book, A Year of Wine: Perfect Pairings, Great Buys, and What to Sip for Each Season, Colman urges readers to “drink different” and to get out of their wine ruts—stop by your local wine shop and try something new. It’s a great time for wine, with many interesting bottles out there for very reasonable prices.
Colman's book is also

Author of the highly praised Dr. Vino blog, Tyler Colman brings a budget-conscious and highly seasonal approach to wine that guarantees greater enjoyment.
In anticipation of Colman’s appearance at tomorrow’s Beard on Books, we asked the wine expert and author of A Year of Wine: Perfect Pairings, Great Buys, and What to Sip for Each Season for his top summer wine picks.
La Spinetta, Moscato d'Asti (about $15)
This is probably the ultimate wine for sipping poolside with a light fizz, peachy aromas, and five percent alcohol. Because it is slightly sweet, it's also a perfect wine for newbies.
Wild Rock, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (about $15)
This kiwi Sauvignon Blanc has the customary refreshing acidity but adds an aromatic lift from a dash of riesling and viognier. Pair with lunch on